Hong Leong Bank

General Information

Hong Leong Bank Berhad is a regional financial services company based in Malaysia, with presence in Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Cambodia and China.

History

Hong Leong Bank began its operations in 1905 in Kuching, Sarawak, under the name of Kwong Lee Mortgage & Remittance Company. The company granted loans against the security of export commodities such as pepper, rubber and other indigenous products. It also provided the services of remitting money of overseas Chinese to their families in the Southeast region of China. The second branch was opened in Singapore in 1929, and third one was opened in Sarikei in 1937. On 3 January 1994, the Hong Leong Group Malaysia acquired MUI Bank Berhad through Hong Leong Credit Berhad and renamed it as Hong Leong Bank Berhad (HLBB). The acquisition of MUI Bank Berhad by Hong Leong Group Malaysia (which is controlled by Malaysian business tycoon Quek Leng Chan) followed shortly after an aborted takeover attempt by another Malaysian tycoon Tan Sri Dato Vincent Tan Chee Yioun (through his vehicle Berjaya Corporation). HLBB is a member of the Hong Leong Group. The group has diversified businesses in financial services, manufacturing, property, and infrastructure development.

Products & Services

Personal Banking

The bank provides banking services and financial products, which include property, auto, personal loans, payment products, share financing, investment, and insurance, as well as deposits and remittance to individuals and small businesses.

Business & Corporate Banking

Principal business activities include the provision of banking solutions such as deposit and loan services covering business current account, interest-bearing auto-sweep as well as fixed deposit, and financing options ranging from asset acquisition, working capital, and debt capital market structures, for corporate, commercial and SME client base. HLB also specializes in the provision of transaction banking solutions via cash management, trade financing and services.

Controversies

In February 2013, the bank had embarked on a rationalization exercise as part of its continuing efforts to review its business and maintain competitiveness. As part of the exercise involves transfer non-executive staffs from all over the country to three centralized locations, it created dissatisfactions amongst affected employees. A picket was held at Wisma Hong Leong in November 2013.[9] Alleged wrongful dismissal of the 27 employees for refusing to transfer has been referred to Industrial Court.

Customer support

Hong Leong Banks Self-service Phone Banking and Customer Relationship Offices are available:

General Enquiries: 8:30am-4:30pm (Monday to Friday), 8:30am to 5:30 pm (Saturday & Sunday)

ATM & Card Assistance: 24 Hours Email: ask@hlbvn.hongleong.com.

For Priority Banking Concierge Line, Tel: +84 28) 6299 8111 (Ho Chi Minh) (+84 24) 6271 0303 (Hanoi).